Excavation permits and rules in Nevada
What the state requires before and during excavation work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and a county or city can add rules of its own.
Checked September 19, 2026
Calling 811 before you dig
Anyone digging in Nevada has to notify USA North 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 working days, and no more than 28 calendar days, before digging.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under NRS 455.080 to 455.180: At least 2 working days but not more than 28 calendar days before excavation or demolition is scheduled to commence.1-2
Licensing
Nevada licenses contractors through the Nevada State Contractors Board. A license is needed for all contracting work except repairs or maintenance under $1,000 that need no building permit and aren't part of a larger project of $500 or more. Classification A general engineering includes subclassifications A-7 excavating and grading and A-12 excavating, grading, trenching and surfacing.3-4
Text of the law
Required for all contracting work except repair or maintenance under $1,000 including labor and materials that needs no building permit and is not part of a larger project of $500 or more.3-4
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan that will disturb 1 acre or more. Coverage is under the Construction Stormwater General Permit NVR100000 (2015 permit, administratively continued).5
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Sources
What excavation costs in Nevada
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Nevada, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Nevada
Nevada has 145 excavation contractors listed, and 92 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll match you with excavation contractors near you.
Cite this page
“Excavation permits and rules in Nevada.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/nv/rules/